What are drugs that kill off bacteria typically referred to as?

The correct term for drugs that kill off bacteria is "bactericidal." These drugs work by directly causing the death of bacteria, as opposed to merely inhibiting their growth or reproduction. Bactericidal agents disrupt essential processes in bacterial cells, such as cell wall synthesis, protein synthesis, or DNA replication, leading to irreversible damage and the death of the microorganism.

In contrast, terms like "bacteriostatic" refer to substances that inhibit bacterial growth without directly killing the bacteria. This allows the immune system of the host to manage the infection more effectively. "Bacteriolytic" refers to agents that not only kill bacteria but also cause lysis or disintegration of the cells. While "bactericidal" encompasses the killing action of antibiotics, it is specifically distinct from "bacteriostatic," which indicates a more supportive role in controlling bacterial populations. Thus, knowing the precise definitions and modes of action of these terms is crucial in the field of microbiology and pharmacology.